January 6th 1836

The Board Of Guardians of Sudbury Union give notice that they will meet on Jan 25th to receive plans and estimates for the erection of a new workhouse capable of containing 400 persons on a site of which will be partly in the parish of St Gregory's, Sudbury. The plan of the workhouse may be independent of the old one or form a part thereof. Plans and estimates to the office of Mr Stedman, clerk of the union.

January 13th 1836

A few nights ago as William Choat, a young man residing at Baythorne End was returning from Haverhill when he was stopped about 11 o'clock near Fordwater by four men who dragged him from his horse and threw him on his back. One of the men drew off his neckerchief and was about to cut his throat with a knife when one of the ruffians asked the young man his name. On telling them they said he was not the man they wanted and mentioned the name of the other person for whom they had mistaken him for. Due to the fear and horror that had overcome the young man, he had not the presence of mind or strength to remount, but led his horse to Baythorne End Swan about one mile distant.

July 13th 1836

John Ryan, aged 27 was convicted of stealing four £ 5 notes from George Parason a Ballingdon draper. 7 years transportation.
William Smith 19 was convicted of stealing a pair of trowsers the property of John Parson of Sudbury. 6 months prison and to be privately whipped. Of 71 prisoners tried at the Bury St Edmunds, 35 could not read or write-24 could only read or write imperfectly, only 12 could read and write properly.

September 7th 1836

Live and Dead stock Sale at Kentwell Hall, the property of Mr Hart Logan. 23 horses-28 cattle-182 Southdown sheep-193 half breeds-202 lambs etc.

November 2nd 1836

John Day aged 20 to the house of correction for 2 years with the first month in solitary confinement for stealing a pair of boots from William Gridley of Long Melford.

November 30th 1836

MELFORD ASSEMBLY. The first annual ball will be held at the Bull Inn in Long Melford on Tuesday the 20th of December.
Admission-Gents 10s 6d- Ladies 7s 6d--signed Richard Lambert and John Poley.

December 7th 1836

The Board Of Guardians of the Sudbury Union will receive tenders for the supply of good bread in loaves of 4lb each and not to have been baked less than 12 hours and made from the best 3rds flour.

January 4th 1837

At Bury Market-Wheat 54s per quarter-Barley 33s Oats 25s-Rye 37s-Beans36s-Peas 40s.

June 7th 1837

At South Suffolk Show-Richard Aldham of Foxearth, first prize for a sow, £ 1. John Pratt of Otten Belchamp, fist prize for a stallion-£ 4. Ploughing match - Samuel Griggs in the employ of William Sparrow of Newton, first prize of £ 2 10s. Second prize-George Chenery in the employ of John Orbell,£ 2.

June 28th 1837.

Joseph Twitchett and Joseph Newman to be transported for life for stealing two lambs the property of Mary Coldham at Cavendish.
William Perry 7 years transportation for stealing 4 sacks of wheat from the granary of Joseph Stammers Garrit of Cavendish.
William Oakley 3 weeks imprisonment for stealing 5 faggots from William Cross of Glemsford.

March 24th 1841

Josiah Beer and Thomas Pearman were found guilty of stealing a quantity of wheat from a barn Sudbury belonging to Mr John Bear. 7 years transportation.

November 3rd 1841

Robert Crouch of Shimpling is to be transported for 7 years for stealing half a peck of wheat the property of Mr William King. Sarah the wife of Henry Gridley of Glemsford,1 month imprisonment for stealing a peck of peas in the straw the property of Mr Biggs.

January 19th 1842

George Plamplin a bargeman from Ballingdon charged with stealing two sacks and 3 bushels of barley, the property of Mr Robert Allen and George Norman 63 was charged with being an accessory. W.Harrison a. bargeman deposed that the barley was taken from the cargo of a barge on the river Stour. Acquitted.
John Border 19,Charles Lingley 19 and Charles Bean 18,of Melford,6 months imprisonment each for stealing a quantity of horsehair from Mr John Churchyard in Melford. Charles Gager 21,1 month for stealing a piece of beef from Joseph Waters shop in Melford.
David Clarke aged 21 of Glemsford was charged with stealing 13 watches and a purse with £3 in it from Mr George Carter's house in Cavendish. 10 years transportation and Henry Smith an accomplice aged 19 one years hard labour. George Oakley aged 42 of Glemsford charged with stealing 6 bushels of turnips which had been severed from the ground and lying in heaps. 7 years transportation.

March 2nd 1842

Sale of Live and Dead stock at Lodge Farm, Glemsford, for Robert Lungley who has let the estate.

April 13th 1842

Oak timber at Pentlow to be sold by auction, all timber, tellers and whips growing in the wood upon Hoggs Farm, Pentlow property of John Orbell, it will be sold in top and bark,

August 20th 1842

Mary Farrow and Frances Howlett charged with stealing a pair of bellows, iron saucepan and iron sifter from Joseph Beard at Sudbury. Farrow 6 months prison and Howlett to be transported for 7 years,

May 11th 1842

1.700 doz. of wine to be sold by auction at Ballingdon Grove by instructions of Mr Mathew Allen,

June 15th 1842

Deaths-Mrs Allen beloved wife of Robert Allen, merchant of Ballingdon, only daughter of Mr Thomas Pung of Bulmer, leaving five small children to mourn their loss. :

July 14th 1842

Capital Farm at Glemsford for sale-Clock Farm-190 acres 2 rods-good buildings-roomy farm house-fine land-for many years in occupation of the proprietor Mr Thomas Pung.

July 13th 1842.

Robert Stebbing aged 35 for stealing a quantity of leather from John Garrod of Bures, 7 years transportation. John Barrel 18 and Arthur Watis 15 for stealing and tilling two ducks the property of Henry Martin of Stanstead. 7 days prison.

August 31st 1842

Houghton Hall, Cavendish, Instructions have been received from Mr William Rose who is quitting the farm to sell the live and dead stock on September 30th, the implements are nearly new for working heavy land.

September 21st 1842.

At Foxearth near Sudbury, Messrs Isaacs and Tattersall have received instructions to sell by auction from the Exors of Mr Adams to sell by auction the live and dead stock-12 mares and geldings-5 colts and a pony~12 North Wales bullocks-80 wethers-6 sows 29 shoats- 2 road waggons-2 harvest waggons-6 tumbrils-5 Newman ploughs. (Western End-G.H.)

October 26th 1842

On. Thursday last 20 gentlemen sat down at the Rose and Crown, Sudbury, to celebrate the opening of a new corn exchange.

November 2nd 1842

John Jones a labourer aged 9 years was charged with killing a bull the property of Mr William Stedman of Nayland. Several boys, the prisoner being one of them,, went into a field to hunt cattle, they attacked a young bull which they singled out from the herd and drove it about the meadow for about an hour until it was exhausted.
It apparently made a jump at a hedge but fell on its knees in a ditch, the prisoner came up with a knotty stick and thrust it into its natural passage to the extent of about two foot several times, The poor-animal died in the ditch.
Samuel Wright a boy of about the same age said they went with another boy, George Watts,to hunt cattle, when he went away the bull was dead.
When the chairman asked the prisoner if he had anything to say he burst into tears and said he did not do it.
"The sentence of the court is you are to be transported for ten years, we might have have given you 15 years."
The prisoner was removed absorbed in grief.

November 2nd 1842

George Rochester and William Alliston were charged with stealing 5 fowls from Thomas Hibble of Great Cornard. 6 months. Samuel Piper aged 22,Robert Mumford 19 and Samuel Chinery 23. 6 months for stealing 6 fowls at Melford,

November 16th 1842

White House Farm,Otten Belchamp, live and dead stock to be sold, property of Mr William Pung.

November 23rd 1842

South Suffolk show took place in a paddock belonging Mr Parsons adjoining Friars Street, the ploughing took place at Wood Hall. 65 ploughs took part, the judges were Mr Went from Melford and Mr Ellams from Foxearth. Best stallion-Mr J. Orbell from Brook Hall Foxearth Best 2 year old gelding-Mr Richard Aldham of Foxearth Hall.

November 23rd 1842

South Suffolk show took place in a paddock belonging Mr Parsons adjoining Friars Street, the ploughing took place at Wood Hall. 65 ploughs took part, the judges were Mr Went from Melford and Mr Ellams from Foxearth. Best stallion-Mr J.Orbell from Brook Hall Foxearth Best 2 year old gelding-Mr Richard Aldham of Foxearth Hall. Wheel plough-best ploughman any age-Edward Springett who works for Mr William Taylor of Gt.Cornard £2 10s. 2nd prize to William Griggs for William Sparrow of Newton £2.
In the second class William Manning first prize for Mr George Death of Long Melford. 2nd Thomas Coe for Mr William Jennings of Rodbridge, 3rd Edward Brunning for William Taylor of Gt.Cornard. Best ploughboy under 20 years-First, Edward Collins for Henry Siggers of Gt Cornard. 2nd Samuel Humm for Edward Cooke of Henny. 3rd James Clarke for Charles Deeks of Hundon. Labourer with most children brought up without parish relieve-Ewin Johnson of St Peters, Sudbury with ten children. Labourer longest time on the same farm-William Hartley of Ballingdon,57 years. 2nd Samuel Stiff of Reydon 4? years,£2 for each.

November 23rd 1842

William Mattham landlord of Lavenham Black Lion, Noah Must a horse dealer of Sudbury, John Chinney, Martin Stearn and William Gurling all butchers of Lavenham, Isaac Scarfe, Fred Stock, William Snell and William Duce all of Lavenham were summoned to answer a charge by Henry Thomas, secretary of the Society for the prevention of cruelty to animals, charging them with on November 5th at Washmere Green, Lavenham, that they did use a certain ground for bull baiting.
John Smith said he went to Washmere Green at 12 o'clock on November 5th where a great many people were assembled. At between 3 and 4 a bull was brought from the direction of Lavenham and several persons fixed a rope to its horns They then led it to a stake fixed in the ground where a collar was put round its neck and the rope taken from its horns, then by noise and other means the bull was irritated to make it wild, Carter being the most active in this, he also collected money from the spectators.
Stearn had a dog which he set on the bull which it bit and several times, the dog was tossed in the air and severely injured.
Gurling, Chinney and Ransom had dogs which they also set on the bull, Natham was on horse back and appeared to direct the proceedings. The bull was baited for about an hour and was torn about the face and nose, several of the dogs were much injured and bled a great deal.
There were about 200 people present during the baiting with great uproar and filthy language being used. Matham, Must, Ransom, Chinney and Carter were fined £5 each. Gurling 20s. Hughes, Snell, Stock, Scarfe and Duce were fined 10s. Matham, Must, Stearn, Gurling and Duce paid their fines, the rest were committed to prison for 2 months hard labour, the prosecution gave the fines to Lavenham National school.

March 22nd 1843

William Oakley aged 35, a labourer of Glemsford was sent to prison for 12 months for stealing a quantity of potatoes from a farm in Glemsford.
James Penner aged 25, a shoemaker from Melford, was transported for 7 years for stealing a mackintosh and a great coat from William Campling of Melford.
Robert Brown aged 62 from Cavendish was charged with stealing a scythe and thowless iron Jeramiah Wordley of Cavendish, on account of his age mercy was shown. 1 month.

April 5th 1843

Charlotte Blunden aged 17 for stealing a £5 note from the Lavenham post office where she is employed as a domestic, 10 years transportation.

June 14th 1843

At Borley near Long Melford-to be sold at the Half Moon Clare-three cottage tenements and a field of super arable land of 1 acre 22 perch situated, on Borley Green-Lot 2 -- 2 acres 2r 2p on Borley Common Lot 3 - 2 pieces of Common meadow containing 1r 16p and 2r 9p the property is in the copyhold of the manor of Borley and is in the tenancy of Charles Adams till Michaelmas.

September 13th 1843

Clerks Farm, Belchamp Walter, on Sept 19th the live and dead stock the effects of William Bigg who is leaving the farm.

September 27th 1843

Pauls Hall, Belchamp St Pauls--the live and dead stock the property of Edward Ewer who is quitting the farm-11 horses, 3 colts, 2 bay mares, 1 brown cob pony, 12 Suffolk cows, 3 sows,19 store pigs, 2 capital pointers, 5 waggons, 4 tumbrels, 6 iron ploughs.

October 11th 1843

The late Sudbury elections, Mr Russell Gurney, Mr John Buckle and Mr Percy Elliot are the commissioners appointed to inquire into the existing of bribery in this borough.

October 25th 1843

The Long Melford ploughing match took place on Monday on the farm occupied by Mr Thomas Branwhite. 1st prize went to Thomas Rising employed by Mr George Coe, £l-10s. 2nd to James Allen employed by Mrs Underwood, £1. 3rd to Charles Schofield servant of Mr George Coe,15s. Sir Hyde and his friends were present and the ladies staying at the Hall came upon the ground. The ploughmen were provided with a hot supper at the worthy Baronet's expense,

December 6th 1843

On the evening of the 20th, Mr Daniel Mills junior, of Kiln Farm, Melford was returning home from Sudbury market at about 6 o'clock, after passing Kentwell gates and was approaching the gate leading to New road, which to his surprise he found tied up, as he was opening the gate, some villain with a large stake felled him and inflicted several blows to the head.
Although stunned by the brutal attack, Mr Mills seized the weapon and forced it from him, he immediately ran toward a plantation and made his escape.
Mr Mills went to the cottage of one of his men who lost no time in forwarding him home. On the same night two fat sheep were slaughtered and stolen from a field in occupation of Mr Ruffel, the heads and skins being left in the fields.

December 27th 1843

The farmers of Mount Bures and Bures St Mary who are desirous of encouraging their industrious ploughmen, recently held a ploughing match on a farm belonging to Mr Gelding Boggis. 16 men and 2 boys competed. 1st prize to James Cranfield who works for Golding Boggis-£l, 2nd to J. Burrows employed by J. Boggis, 15s. 3rd to W. Godden for W. Taylor, 10s, 4th to G. Tibble for Golding Boggis. 1st for boys-J.Tibble for J.Boggis,

January 4th 1844

At between 1 and 2 in the morning, 3 men, John Lawrence, John Webb and Samuel Dowries, affected entrance to the White Hart, Cross Street by forcing up the shutter, they helped themselves to gin and some silver spoons.
A man named Sillitoe and a woman named Beer happened to be passing, saw the door open, and thought they could get a drink, went in and saw the men and were suspicious, the men pressed them to have some gin which they refused, they were then threatened with vengeance if they informed.
Information was given, to our active gaol keeper, Cross, who captured one in Sudbury and the others in Foxearth and lodged them safely in the Borough gaol,

January 31st 1844

An incendiary is at work in Glemsford, a fire was discovered in the stackyard of Mr Charles Bigg of Churchgate farm at about 7 in the evening, engines from Melford and Hartest arrived and damage was confined to one stack.
A fresh alert was given about 1 in the morning when fire broke out in the barn belonging to Mr Allen the wheelright, the barn was consumed with a lot of seasoned ash plank, there has now been 4 fires in the village in 2 months.
We have now heard, a man named Copsey has been taken up.

February 7th 1844

We understand that Mr, Simon Viall of Middleton Hall who was found guilty of manslaughter is on bail to appear to answer the charge at Bury Assizes.

April 24th 1844

There was no true bill against Simon Viall who was charged with having committed a felonious assault against a lad named Joseph Clark of which he languished and died.
Mr Viall was then released on the verdict of the coroners jury.

April 10th 1844

Jabez Copsey and Stephen Boreham of Glemsford were charged with setting fire to Mr James Allen's barn in Glemsford. Walter Bullock said he saw the prisoners in the Cock Inn and they went off together.
Charles Hartley said
"prisoners left the Cock before me, later 1 saw them coming over the hedge from Allen's barn",
Frederick Shadbolt said he was a prisoner in Bury gaol and he had asked Boreham if he did set fire to the barn and Boreham said he did, in answer to a question witness said he had also given evidence the day before on a similar charge saying a man named Barley had also admitted setting fire to a stack and he did not give evidence for a reward. Transportation for life.

July 15th 1846

The 30th anniversary of Pentlow Sunday School was celebrated on Wednesday when there were prayers by the Rev Lawrence Ottley rector of Acton and the sermon was by the Right Honourable Rev. Lord Arthur Hervey, rector of Ickworth, After divine service the children were regaled with cake and wine in the rectory grounds which were thrown open for the fete which was attended by most of the local clergy and principal families.

August 24th 1844

George Robins begs to announce he has received instructions from the Exors of the late Mr James Thompson to offer for free competition the valuable freehold farm of Hobarts Farm situated in Otten Belchamp and Walter Belchamp.
There is an agreeable prospect of 3 to 4 per cent on purchasing. Hobarts Hall is as a good wheat and turnip land as will be found in the county and the samples are among the best in Mark Lane.
The farm house is in occupation of a man of substance who pays a rent of £320 per annum without a murmur. Mr Richard Chickall the tenant made great deal of wealth on the estate and has farmed it admirably for the last half century. Hobarts Hall may with trifling expense be remodelled into a pretty Gothic abode.

August 24th 1844

An incendiary fire broke out on Mr King Viall's farm at Stoke by Clare on Tuesday evening, prompt action by the labouring classes and four engines brought the fire under control,

August 24th 1844

Stolen from Hobbers Lane Glemsford on Thursday night, a small donkey with a grey belly and. grey head, sickle bent legs, small font in the middle of the back,7 years old with a brown back. 10s reward information to Greyhound Inn.

September 4th 1844

Poslingford, Excellent family mansion of modern erection, known as Shadow Bush Estate consisting of an excellent family mansion built within 25 years at a cost of £10.000.
Detached from the house and screened from view, double coach house with stabling for 10 horses, walled garden, greenhouse and farm house, 177 acres 3r 2p. To the sporting man there is the advantage of being within easy reach of Mr Mure's and the East Essex Hunt and is scarcely more than 1 hour drive from Newmarket. Apply to Isaacson and Tattersals at Clare

September 25th 1844

On Wednesday evening a poor woman named Reeve was found dead in a wood on Gages farm, Belchamp Otten. She went there at about 9 in the morning to gather nuts and it is supposed she died soon afterwards as she was cold and stiff when she was found and had but few possessions. She leaves a husband and two children.

September 25th 1844

At. 11 in the morning smoke was seen to issue from a hay loft on Blacklands farm, Cavendish in occupation of Mr James Heckford. When the alarm was given numbers of all classes hastened to the spot and speedily pulled down the building and giving a plentiful supply of water the damage was confined to the destruction of the hay loft. 2 engines were on the road from Clare but the fire was out when they arrived.
The farm is the property of Mr J.R. Brice of Spains Hall, Toppesfield. The fire was the work of an incendiary, who at the present has not been discovered. It is the wish of Mr Heckford that it should be generally known that the prompt and active assistance given by the labouring classes especially the females who by their exertions quickly removed to safety 2 waggons and other implements, some men were standing in the water bailing it out to those who were quenching the flames.
The poor have misconducted themselves in other parts of the county but there are some that know and will do their duty when required. These meritorious persons were rewarded for their exertions.

November 13th 1844

Two more houses surrounding St Peters church in Sudbury are in the course of demolition, it is expected that within a few months the venerable building will no longer be blocked up by unsightly tenements which could only have been erected in bygone times when in the absence of all proper control and when every man did what he thought was right in his own eyes.

November 27th 1844

Mr Mure's hounds met at Harding Green and trotted to Boxted covers where a fox (disturbed by horsemen waiting at the covert instead of coming to the meet, a practice very much to be deprecated) was hallooed away and was hunted to Hawkedon earths then through Northy and Easty woods to Boxted park then across the river to Stansted wood (here the wet state of the land told upon the nags) through Kentwell Hall covers on to Spelton where he was lost.
Rose then drew Lineage where they found, on to Acton Groves very prettily where he was lost.

December 4th 1844

At Glemsford by direction of the Exors of the Rev John Bullock, Brooms farm 66 acres,

December 11th 1844

Robert Humphreys aged 16 was convicted, of stealing from James Howard a butcher of Glemsford, a tame rabbit. To be whipped and discharged.

April 2nd 1845

Charles Smith and John Poole of Sudbury were charged with highway robbery and assaulting Samuel Piper of Foxearth, Piper said he went to Sudbury on the I5th of February and went into the Globe Inn, Smith and Poole were there and Smith said "old daddy will you drink".
'I drank with them, I did pull out my purse on several occasions when I paid for beer, When I left for home at about 12-30, Smith followed me out. As I was waiting just out of the town, Smith knocked me insensible, on recovering I found a hand in my pocket which drew a purse out of it.'
Cross examined, Piper said he was not drunk but half and half.
Johnson, a constable of Sudbury, said he searched for Smith and the next day brought him in, Smith tried to escape on the way. Cross, the keeper of the gaol in Sudbury, said the cells are arranged in the gaol so that the prisoners could talk to each other, he could hear and took down every word what was said, for three quarters of. and hour.
Verdict ~ Poole not guilty. Smith who had been convicted for the same offence in 1842 was sentenced to 15 years transportation.
(In the 1851 census, Samuel Piper was a 72 year old widower and pauper living in Foxearth)

May 7th 1845

There was a fire at Ropers Farm, Bures St Mary, this was the work of an incendiary. Ropers Farm is the property of Trinity College Cambridge and farmed by Mr Taylor of Gt. Cornard.
Two barns, stables, cartshed, piggeries, horse shed, two waggons, three tumbrels, 26 sacks of barley, 7 sacks of tares, three horses, three colts, three shoats, seven little pigs, all consumed in the flames. Three men, John Cardy, George Cardy and their cousin James Cardy have been arrested on suspicion.

May 14th 1845

An inquest was held at the King's Head, Ballingdon on the body of Thomas Wright a labourer who was killed by a fall of chalk. Wright was employed by Mills and Green, lime burners, and was killed by a fall of chalk in the nearby chalk pits.
Accidental death.

July 2nd 1845

Mill Hill Farm, Glemsford, to be sold by auction at the Rose and Crown Inn Sudbury. 162 acres. The property of Mr R. Hurrell and in occupation of Josiah Sparkes at the rental of £260 per annum,

July 23rd 1845

At the Nisi Prius court. Ewer v Carter. Plaintiff is Mr Ewer of Belchamp St Pauls and formerly of Foxearth. The present action is for the seduction of his eldest daughter Emma Ewer by defendant who lives in the neighbourhood. His Lordship summed up and the jury returned a verdict for plaintiff. £500 damages.

September 3rd 1845

There died at Sudbury on Friday last, Richard Chambers ,colour sergeant of the 69th Regiment, The gallant veteran served with distinction under the Duke of Wellington and his Waterloo medal was considered by the deceased to be his greatest ornament. On his death bed he directed that it should never leave the family and he desired to be buried in his regimentals that he might lie "like a warrior taking his rest, with his martial cloak around him".

September 24th 1845

At Sewell's Farm, Otten Belchamp, farming dead and live stock on the 7th of October, Dairy utensils and part of the neat and genteel household effects. Also at Finstead End, Boxted, Suffolk. Tower windmill now in occupation of Mr Watkinson who has engaged a farm and public house.

January 21st 1846

Robert Head of Little Waldingfield, 14 days for stealing a large log from Mr Henry Cooke of Lt Waldingfield. Thomas Everett of Cavendish 21 days for stealing some turnips from Mr James Hickford of Cavendish. Walter Finch for stealing a piece of mutton from Samuel Worters of Melford, 7 days and a private whipping.

June 10th 1846

The pleasure fair commenced on Tuesday morning at Long Melford.
In bygone days the first day was set aside for the provincial aristocracy and the second day for their domestics and whose rural courtships might be seen in the most unsophisticated form and many village belle became acquainted with the giving and taking system.
Thursday was always known as the stock fair where business and pleasure intermingled. The influx into the village was great, Mr Bacon's jaunting car and Mr Brock's painted van were plying back and forth during the day, each time with a bevy of beauties and their beaux. Let who will complain about the Melford Fair but the turnpike has good reason to be pleased.

June 24th 1846

There was a destructive fire at Yeldham yesterday afternoon in a haystack caused by overheating, Mr Whitlock the occupier had his hands burnt when he tried to remove a waggon. All the farm implements were destroyed and 7 fat bullocks, the carcases of which were eaten by the crowd in their half roasted state.
It is now feared that a boy who is in custody was concerned in it.

July 15th 1846

John Williams, John Tolcher and James Todd were charged with entering the house of Alfred Evans Jackson a tailor of Clare and stealing silver spoons worth £15 10s. Abijah John Brown of Coventry was charged with receiving.
While the prisoners implicated in the Clare burglary were being took back to Bury gaol in a van after having been examined at Clare the prisoners were allowed out at Bradfield Manger to stretch their legs, they being ironed and well watched when on a sudden the leg irons which linked Tolcher and Williams dropped off and the prisoners took to their heels, Williams was recaptured but Tolcher got clear and has not been seen since.
It is supposed that an accomplice had furnished them with means of undoing their irons, London is believed to be Tolcher's destination.

July 15th 1846

Elizabeth Maxim aged 18 years was charged with stealing a pair of cotton socks the property of Alexander Duff of Glemsford. Not guilty.

July 29th 1846

John Williams and John Tolcher who were concerned in the Clare burglary were sentenced to 20 years transportation, Todd for 10 years and Brown from Coventry 14 years for receiving.

August 5th 1846

Robert Head 20 and Samuel Partridge 27 were charged with entering the house of Elizabeth Ward at Newton and stripping the shop of its contents.
Suspicion fell on Head and his house at Waldingfield was searched and the stolen goods were recovered, Both 10 years transportation.
For stealing a knife the property of James Griggs of Great Cornard, Charles Tuffin 17 was sentenced to 7 years transportation.

August 12th 1846

Brundon Mill for sale. Capital corn water mil1-3 floors, John Orbe11 is the tenant. It is admirably situated for business being in close proximity of the navigable river Stour and the Sudbury railway line and the probability of the line passing close.

August 23rd 1846

Hill Farm, Gestingthorpe-to be sold by auction on September 19th by order of the exors. of Mr Robert Purkis. Team of 12 powerful and valuable cart mares and geldings bred by the proprietor. Yearling filly-black cob-135 Southdown sheep-6 milch cows-poultry-waggons-carts- brewing and dairy utensils

September 2nd 1846

Burnt House Estate, Little Cornard for sale-109 acres between Sudbury and Bures and a messuage used as a beerhouse called the Black Boy in occupation of Mr Sandle at a rent of £260 was sold for £5,125. to the trustees of the late Mr S.Mumford. Brundon Mill was sold to Mr Jacob Manning of Twinstead for £1,560.

September 2nd 1846

There was a fire at Lamarsh on the premises of Mr Thomas Parmenter, all of the buildings were consumed and the produce of 25 acres of barley, 12 1/2 acres of peas, 12 acres of clover and 24 acres of hay, several turkeys and fowls were consumed, it is believed it is the work of an incendiary.

September 2nd 1846

A splendid meteor passed over Clare at half past nine on Friday evening.

November 4th 1846

Alfred Baldry an 11 year old urchin whose father has been transported and his mother has almost forsaken him was charged with stealing a purse at Lavenham from Thomas Risby.
The lad confessed to stealing the purse which was hanging out of the prosecutors pocket.
The jury found him guilty and sentenced him to be whipped and discharged, they also gave directions that the poor little fellow who is without friends should be taken care of at the prison.

December 23rd 1846

Sheep stealing which was prevalent last winter has commenced again with several farms having their folds visited in the last fortnight. Mr Hurrell from Middleton lost a fat sheep and on Sunday night Charles Branwhite of Borley Hall had one stolen, A reward of £20 is offered for information.

December 23rd 1846

A subscription fund has been entered into by the inhabitants of Foxearth, Cavendish and Pentlow for the purchase of a fire engine, it has been so liberally responded to that a powerful engine has been bought and will be kept at the rectory house, Pentlow

January 20th 1847

There was an inquest on Louisa French aged 7 years at the White Horse, Sudbury. It appears that three little girls, the two French sisters and Charlotte Davis were on their way to church when they stopped at the yard of Mr Wells, baker and confectioner and picked up certain ornaments used to embellish the Twelfth cakes, they ate them and were violently sick, two of the girls recovered but Louisa died four days later. .

May 26th 1847

250 capital oak trees to be sold at Little Yeldham, they are lying beside a good road.

January 27th 1847

There was a public meeting at the Town Hall Sudbury to take consideration of the lamentable destitution now existing in Ireland and Scotland and to set up a subscription for the relief of our famishing fellow subjects.

February 10th 1847

The subscription fund for the Irish famine has now risen to £160, £500 Is the target for the town whose population is 6000.

March 24th 1847

Brick Kiln Farm Cavendish to be let. Sheds, barns and outhouses-late in the tenure of Mr Peter Baker, brickmaker, 30 acres.

March 31st 1847

Joseph Bevis an old man of 79 years was charged with committing an indecent felony had a sentence of death recorded against him.

March 31st 1847

To be sold by auction at Bulmer-300 oak trees-100 oak staddles-200 stacks of studs. The same are now standing in Park Wood near the highway from Bulmer to Melford. To be taken down and cleared at the purchaser's expense.

March 31st 1847

Catherine Foster of Acton who is not yet 18 years old, was charged with the murder of her husband John Foster aged 24, by poison. Sentenced to death.

July 7th 1847

A match of cricket was played between the Aubries and the Zigari club on the grounds of Caledon Alexander on Thursday and Friday which terminated in favour of the Aubries who beat their opposition by 56 runs.

July 14th 1847

William Wells of Cavendish was charged with unlawfully wounding a cow the property of Mr Thomas Ambrose. Acquitted.

July 14th 1847

William Lumley aged 40 of Acton was charged with stealing one hempen sack from a barn in Acton the property of Mr John Branwhite. 10 years transportation as he has one previous conviction.

July 28th 1847

On Friday last, Mr W. F. Hobbs Esq. started at Colchester station, two of his best bulls, two cows and a number of swine per the railway intended for the great Agricultural Show of the Royal Society at Northampton, the stock was carefully placed in a covered waggon and littered with straw.
Sometime before they reached their destination some flakes of fire from the funnel was blown into the carriage where the cattle were and immediately ignited the straw, the whole were soon enveloped in flames.
We understand that the two bulls perished and the cows and swine were so badly injured that they had to be killed.

August 4th 1847

To be sold by auction. The Henny Hill Estate on August 19th. Capital water corn mill.

August 4th 1847

Cutbush Farm, Belchamp St Pauls to be sold, now in occupation of John Barnes whose lease expires at Michaelmas 1850. Situated on the road from Ovington to Belchamp St Pauls-double cart shed-stables-28 acres in the following parcels "thousand acres" 5a.3r.33p-"4 acres" 5 a.6r.-barn field 4.3.10.-homestead 0.2.11. and orchard and garden.

September 15th 1847

Four sheep were stolen from the farm of Mr Hale Westropp at Bures. The carcases were traced to the premises of John Parmenter of Melford and to a butcher named Joseph Kingsbury of Melford who was found to have two carcases in his possession.
Parmenter was committed for trial on charges of receiving and Kingsbury has absconded.

September 22nd 1847

The first stone was laid on the stupendous viaduct on the line at Chapel where it crosses a great valley. Mr Bruff the engineer said it would be completed in 12 months and the railway line a year from that date.

September 22nd 1847

John Gridley aged 19 and Ambrose Copsey of Glemsford were charged with stealing a knife the property of William Hardy of Melford, Hot guilty.
John Gridley was further charged with stealing a knife and a handkerchief from Charles Payne of Melford. 7 years transportation.

November 24th 1847

On Friday evening disgraceful scenes took place at the Sudbury Union workhouse. On the morning of that day three men, Ralph Ardley, William Bryant and James Sargent who had been imprisoned for a like offence returned to the workhouse from Bury gaol and tore 300 feet of piping from the wall cutting off the gas, they were taken into custody and the Mayor committed them into custody at Bury gaol.
So long as Bury gaol complete with its treadle wheel is preferred to Sudbury Union these offences will be will be repeated.

December 23rd 1847

On Monday morning an innkeeper of Sudbury undertook for a trifling wager to walk a mile from the first milestone on Melford road to the Castle Inn against a man named George Moulton who was to carry on his back the deficiency in comparison with the proper weight of the inkeeper, about 21 stone, Moulton chase to carry a bag of old rags to supply his bodily deficiency which amounted to 8 stone, notwithstanding this heavy load he had the pleasure of coming first with the publican a few yards behind.

February 9th 1848

As a waggon was passing through Foxearth on Saturday morning at about 5 o'clock, the horses shied at something lying in the road which upon examination by the driver proved to be a horse and cart overturned.
On raising the vehicle a man was found dead and cold, the body awaits a coroner's inquest. The name on the cart was Chinery.

February 23rd 1848

There was a robbery at Acton Crown on the night of Sunday last, the thieves affecting entrance by breaking a square of glass in the tap room. They took from the ceiling six hams and two breast bones of pork and got clear away.

March 1st 1848

Bury cattle market was well supplied with fat oxen consisting of Galloway Scots and Shorthorns etc, they were furnished by Mumford of Lavenham and Cockerill of Saxham-Beef prices per stone were 7s to 7s 6d,8s for selected beef-mutton 8s 2d to 9s for prime downs. Fat hogs-9s 4d-small porkers 6s 9d to 7s. Shearling sheep-36s to 40s each-Fats at 42s to 50s. Springing cows and Heifers~£9 to £14. Suckerel calves 22s to 35s. Bed wheat 40s to 44s a quarter-white wheat-50s to 52s. Oats 18s to 22s. Grinding barley-24s to 26s. Rye-28s to 29s. Peas 32s to 34s. Best flour-per sack 44s.

March 9th 1848

45 fowls were stolen from a fowl house at Brundon Hall belonging to Mr W. Baker, an active search is going on for the offenders who we hope will soon be in custody.

March 9th 1848

As labourers were excavating on the Stour Valley line at Lamarsh they discovered embedded in the gravel the head and tusks of a mammoth or fossilised elephant, teeth of a mammoth have also been discovered in the ground at Brundon Hall.

March 22nd 1848

James Good and Ursula Brown of Glemsford were charged with stealing £11 10s in gold the property of John Watkinson of Glemsford. Objections were made for one of the prisoners that a statement made to one of the witness was inadmissible as that what ever he said could be used for or against him. The bench sustained the objection and the prisoners were acquitted.

March 22nd 1848

Charles Britton of Glemsford was charged with stealing a gun the property of Henry Brown. Acquitted.

March 29th 1848

Joseph Ringsbury of Melford a butcher was charged with receiving a carcase of a sheep from a man named Parmenter, the property of Mr Westrop of Sudbury, and knowing it to have stolen. Not guilty. Parmenter has absconded.

April 12th 1848

A fatal accident occurred on Friday last at Ridgeweil, As George Fairhead was returning from Haverhill market and reaching Whitely farm when the horse he was riding threw him into a ditch and fell on him and suffocated him. Accidental death.

May 22nd 1848

A pigeon match for a fat bullock came off in a field belonging to Mr Thomas Meeking at Lavenham on Tuesday last. 20 subscribers of a sovereign each competed. it was won by Mr Bagshaw of London.

May 31st 1848

Gamekeeper required immediately who thoroughly understands his business, rearing and breeding pheasants, breaking dogs etc. Single man without encumbrance would be preferred. Apply S. Brise Ruggles Brise, Cavendish, Suffolk.

June 7th 1848

A man named John Halls was charged with stealing food from a boy named Beer who was keeping sheep in a field called the "Wence" at Sudbury in occupation of Thomas Meeking.
It appears that the prisoner was lying in a clover field during the day and when the farm men went to dinner at 3 o'clock he took the boy's bread and cheese out of a basket, after remonstrating with him Beer was knocked down, the boy's evidence was corroborated by a man Mills who met the boy crying and told him of the offence. Committed for trial.

October 25th 1848

Sudbury Agriculture Association. On Wednesday last the first anniversary of the above society took place in a field near the town, Ploughing match-wheel ploughs-1st Jonathon Griggs for Mr V. Sparrow of Newton,£2. 2nd Jeramiah Haywood for Mr W. Taylor of Great Cornard-£1 15s. 3rd Nananthial Gardiner for Mr T.Tiffen of Siam Hall,Newton, £1. Ploughboys-lst Thomas Springett for G. Mumford of Causton Hall, Little Cornard, £1.-2nd William Corder for Mr King of Melford,15s. 3rd-Jaines Bryant for Mr S.Viall of Middleton 10s. Foot ploughs-1st Walter Griggs for Mr W. Sparrow of Newton £2. 2nd James Cranfield for Mr Westrop of Bures,£l 15s. 3rd John Mayes for Mr Hale, £1 10s. 4th John Blyth for Mr Spooner,£l 5s. 5th George Chatters for Mr J, Green £1. 6th Charles Gibbons for Mrs L.Hurrell of Foxearth, 7th Samuel Ames for Mr King,10s. Horsemen long service-Ewen Johnson for Mr W.Baker, 24 years,£2. John Springett 29 years for Mr G.Mumford. William Theobald 29 years for Mr R.Aldham of Foxearth Hall, £1 10s. Labourer having brought up most children without parish relief, George Clarke with 6 children works for Mr D.Alston. John Piper with 6 children works for Mr S.Aldham. The dinner which took place In the Corn Exchange was supplied by Mr K.Coach of the Rose and Crown.

November 1st 1848

Thomas Brewster and George Bean were charged with stealing 4 sovereigns the property of Mr William Coldham of Cavendish. 6 weeks prison. Susan Marven and Elizabeth Howard were charged with stealing a quantity of coal cinders about 7 lbs in weight and recently stealing candles, flour and meat from Mr Eichard Almack of Melford. 6 months each.

December 27th 1848

Owing to the ruination of the silk manufacture by the free trade mania, Our operatives have been in a dreadful depressed state and large numbers who have supported themselves in ease and comfort have been compelled to resort to the Union Workhouse.

December 27th 1848

A ewe sheep was stolen from Mr Pearson of Bartholomew's farm, Sudbury and a fat sheep from Mr Dupont from Acton.

December 27th 1848

The flood gates at Brundon Hall were washed away owing to the heavy rains, damage is computed to be at £500

January 24th 1849

Another Union house disturbance occurred last week when several paupers refused to work, the ringleaders were taken before magistrates and received 14 days in gaol. Henry Brewster of Glemsford to Bury and Thomas Martin of Belchamp Otten and James Goymer of Belchamp St Pauls to Springfield gaol.

January 24th 1849

A new mill is to be built at Sudbury Union for grinding beans and barley etc.

January 24th 1849

At the inquest that had been adjourned on Mr Samuel Ward of Clare, Elizabeth Relton of Pentlow said that on Thursday Fortnight about 5 o'clock she was in her house which fronted the road and was sited near the bottom of the first of the two hills coming from Foxearth when she heard a vehicle go past at a fast rate and she heard someone say "hold up".
About half an hour later someone came to her door for a chair and she was told what had happened, she went immediately out and about 10-12 rods from her house towards Pentlow she saw Mr Ward and Mr Mellor being removed in a cart.
Michael Mellor an innkeeper from Clare said they went to Sudbury in a common square cart drawn by one horse,
"we left Sudbury about 5 o' clock and deceased was driving, about quarter of a mile from the turnpike gate on the Sudbury road a person passed us in a gig going about 10-12 miles per hour, he kept on before us and we went on at a gentle pace until we got to the bottom of the second of two hills in the Pentlow bounds when I heard someone come up behind us, I said 'Sam here comes something at a deuce of a pace, pull out of the road', the next moment something came in contact with our offside and we were both thrown out, it was quite light being moonlight, we were travelling at about 5 miles an hour, I saw nothing of a waggon spoken of by Mr Whiting".
John Barnes a surgeon from Clare said "I knew deceased, he was a horse dealer and resided in Clare, I saw deceased in the Bell Inn and he appeared to suffering from internal injuries, I was with him till he died in about half an hour, he said 'let me alone I am dying'. I made a post mortem and opened his chest and found it full of blood occasioned by fracture of the ribs."
Elizabeth Perry said "I am a nurse and was sent for to the Bell Inn, deceased was in bed, I asked him where his injury was, he said 'inside 1 cannot live' 1 said ,how did it come about Mr Ward,
he said 'it was not my cart it was Cook's.
Manslaughter - Cook was committed for tria

January 17th 1849

Another Pervert. The Rev J.A. Stewart, rector of Vange in Essex was admitted to the Roman Catholic Church on the 21st.

January 17th 1949

John Parmenter of Melford was found guilty of stealing 4 sheep the property of Mr H.W. Westrop of Bures, 10 years transportation.

January 21st 1849

William Oakley aged 24 of Cavendish was charged with stealing a piece of beef the property of Mr Teverson Ruse a butcher of Cavendish. 3 months gaol.

March 7th 1849

A worthy yeoman in the Clare district was pleasantly bantering with a tradesman of this ancient town upon his comparatively indifferent plight and told him he would wager a sovereign that he a knight of the plough so much outweighed his friend of the counter and that he would allow him to put his wife and whole family into a scale and he would weigh them down, when the day came the scale contained the whole family consisting of the man and his wife and four children but the honest yeoman stood firm with at least a stone to spare.

March 21st 1849

Thomas Gooday of Glemsford aged 66 years was charged with stealing a quantity of potatoes the property of the Rev Coldham. 1 month. The prisoner had been taken into the prosecutors employ as an act of charity and to keep him off the parish.

March 21st 1849

John Maxim aged 14 and James Shepard 17 were charged with stealing a silver fork tie property of Mr G. T. Heigham. of Houghton Hall, Cavendish. 6 months and a whipping.

March 21st 1849

John Ireland and Thomas Green were found guilty of breaking into the house of Mr B. Elmer of Little Cornard. 7 years transportation.

March 28th 1849

Robert Game of Little Waldingfield was charged with burglary of the house of Rosa Poole of Little Waldingfield and stealing a quantity of tobacco from her shop. Acquitted.

April 18th 1849

On Saturday evening upwards of 60 employees of three of our most respected and expert tradesmen in Clare, Messrs Perry, builders, Wade, ironmongers and Halley, plumbers, partook of a well provided supper at the Bell Inn, Clare, given them for their attentive discharge of various duties to their employers during the past year.
Mr Perry in a very able manner presided and various loyal toasts were cheerfully responded to.

May 23rd 1849

To be sold by auction at Gestingthorpe Hall the live and dead farming stock of the late Mr G. Walker, the farm being let.

May 23rd 1849

To builders and others-at Sudbury Brewery which is being taken down-a large quantity of capital material, bricks etc.

Hay 23rd 1849

A valuable estate at Little Yeldham for sale, Hyde Farm. Now in occupation of Mr Byford. Composed of excellent farm house and 230 acres with a small portion of woodland situated on the roadside from Great Yeldham to Sudbury.
In three lots. Lot 1-Homestall and 160 acres. Lot 2-44 acres abutting on to the Tilbury to Belchamp St Pauls road. Lot 3-25 acres situated near Great Yeldham.

July 18th 1849

George Simpson was charged with stealing a bushel of potatoes from John Head of Acton. 1 month prison. Hannah Argent aged 19 was charged with stealing a pair of cashmere boots from John Stead at Clare. 4 months.

August 8th 1849

Philip Goat aged 20 and Sarah Ostler 22 of Sudbury were charged with stealing a purse containing £18 from John Gutteridge. Gutteridge was in the habit of attending Sudbury market on Saturday's and it was his custom to sleep under his waggon a short distance from the town after he had been at a public house for 5-6 hours.
He had left the public house at about 11 and arrived at his encampment where he fell asleep, when he awoke Goat was standing over him and gave him a blow.
The female prisoner received 1 year imprisonment and the male 2 years,

August 15th 1849

170 acres at Skates Hill. Glemsford for auction at the Greyhound Inn, Glemsford, property of the late Mr John Bigg. The property is known as Holborrows or Skates Hill.

August 22nd 1849

Cricket-St Edmund Club v Long Melford. The match was played at Melford on Tuesday 14th, the latter winning by 8 wickets to go down. It must be observed that there was some good play on the side of the former club who are young beginners and had it not been for the badness of ground they would have provided a heavy task for the opposition. Scores-St Edmund 34 and 28, total 62. Melford 50 and 14, total 64.

November 15th 1849

Notice has been given of the postponement of Sudbury market till Friday in consequence of the day of thanksgiving for the removal of Cholera from this district.
The thanksgiving is fixed for Thursday next, there will be full services in the churches and a collection for the poor and thanks be to God for the removal of Cholera from this district.
This town has been mercifully preserved from the epidemic which has been raging around us, it is hoped every employer will allow his workmen the privilege of acknowledging the goodness of the Lord without abatement of wages.

November 15th 1849

Live and dead stock for sale at Skates Hill, Glemsford, the property of the late Garnham Groom. 8 strong horse-7 milch cows-73 Down and Norfolk ewes, etc.

January 21st 1858

Samuel Piper of Foxearth who had been remanded was charged with stealing two shirts the property of Susan Maxim of Foxearth. The shirts were traced to a house in Cross Street, Sudbury, the home of Mrs Hammond. 3 months hard labour

January 28th 1858

William Downey of Long Melford was charged with stealing 14 lbs of coal from Mr John Oliver Brand of Cornard, Mr Brand recommended him to mercy. 7 days imprisonment.

February 7th 1858

Caroline Wright, a prostitute and one of the notorious Goult family was charged with being drunk and disorderly. To prison for 1 month.

April 1st 1858

Showing of stallions on the Market Hill.
The showing of stallions on the Market Hill is contrary to the bye laws and was the primary cause of the great disturbance last week on the market hill. It is stated that the usual place for showing stallions is the Croft

April 8th 1858

William Rippingale was charged with assaulting Moses Stanbrook a gamekeeper of the Aubries Bulmer. Defendant said that Stanbrook was intoxicated. Adjourned.

April 8th 1858

Walter Suttle and Thomas Gridley of Glemsford were summoned for being on land belonging to Mr J.S.Gardiner in search of game but they had absconded, a warrant was issued for their arrest.

April 15th 1858

A great outrage was perpertrated in the house of Mr John Carter at Gages farm Belchamp St Pauls. It appears that when Mr and Mrs Carter were at church the servant girl aged 17 was left with the three children when she was accosted at the door by Walter Chinery a farmer and dealer who lives in the neighbourhood, he requested a light for his pipe and offered her one shilling. He made several attempts to overcome her virtue and seized her and carried her upstairs where an attack took place but Chinery did not succeed in his purpose and left the house. Mr S.M.Raymond the magistrate from Belchamp Walter issued a warrant for his arrest and placed it in the hands P.C.Butcher who waited for him to return from Clare Market, however by one in the morning he had not returned so the warrant was left with P.C.Keaveany? who is stationed in this parish but he did not take Chinery into custody and allowed the matter to be compromised and he reported the matter to Hedingham Bench.
The magistrates hearing this immediately despatched Sgt Harvey to execute the arrest and bring Chinery into custody. In the meantime the girl whos' name was Cousins had been discharged and sent to her Father in Suffolk. As no evidence was forthcoming the chairman severely reprimanded Chinery and he was set at liberty

May 6th 1858

Josiah Johnson of Cavendish was charged with being drunk and abusive to his mistress Mrs Pratt Viall. Fined 1s with 5s 5d costs.

June 3rd 1858

Melford fair took place on the 27th with an unusual supply of superior fat beasts which were exhibited by Messrs Orbell, Scott, Howard and Chinery. Implements were exhibited by Ward and Silver consisting of Steam Engines by Burgess and Key, hay making machinery, corn and stubble gatherers, ploughs etc.

June 3rd 1858

David Underwood of Cavendish was adjudged to be the father of Susanahh Brown's illegitimate child. 1s 6d per week.

June 19th 1858

Brand Radley aged only 12 years was brought up in custody after being apprehended on Wednesday and shut up in the station at the instance of Mr Edward Balls, a farmer of Castle Hedingham. The complaint was that defendant had thrown a clod of earth which did not hurt him and made use of bad language after complainant had collared the boy through some sheep getting into his mothers field. The complainant conducted himself in a strange manner in front of the bench.
Discharged with the complainant to pay costs

July 15th 1856

Alfred Ives of Foxearth was charged with being drunk and disorderly in Cavendish between 12 and 1 a m. Also Alfred Wright of Pentlow, same offence. Fined 5s with 5s 6d costs.

August 5th 1858

The children of Belchamp St Pauls have reared 3 to 4 thousand silk worms, one little girl having reared 1000 to 1500 cocoons which she converts into skeins ar 50 a day.

August 5th 1858

On Tuesday morning it was discovered that 90 out of 110 fowls on the premises of Mr Baker of Old Farm, Belchamp Otten, had been destroyed by foxes during the night.

August 12th 1856

George Chinnery horseman to Mrs Ewer of Foxearth was charged with riding on the shafts of a waggon in Melford. Rev John Foster sent a letter of good character and long service. Fined 1s 6d with costs.

August 26th 1858

William Curtis aged 9 years of Acton was charged with breaking into a house of a woman named Duce and stealing a half-penny from a missionary box. After careful consideration the bench suggested to the father that the boy should have his back well dressed by the police with a birch rod. The father agreed and after the boy had a good flogging he was released with a caution.

September 2nd 1858

On Friday last Mr P.Viall of Colts Hall Cavendish treated his men numbering about 60 to a harvest home. The evening was spent in great conviviality with songs and toasts until time to part, at the conclusion the men surrounded the drawing room window and serenaded in compliment to their amiable and kind mistress and gave hearty cheers

October 28th 1858

Sudbury Agricultural Society held its 11th annnual anniversary in the usual manner, a ploughing match and vegetable show.
Soon after 6 o'clock the ploughs which numbered 77 assembled on the Market Hill with the gathering witnesed by numerous people. At 7 the men proceeded to a field on the Wood Hall Estate in the occupation of Mr Potter. The work was described by the judges to have never been surpassed.
The Corn Exchange was the scene of the vegetable exhibition of cottagers and allotment holder's produce, the humble competitors receiving kindly words of commendation. One of the most interesting stands featured was the large stand of Messrs Bass and Brown comprising of all the most valuable roots, viz, 24 lots of mangel and 4 varieties, 15 lots of turnips in 12 sorts grown on the farms of the following gentlemen.
N.C.Barnardiston of Henny Ryes, Captain Bence of Kentwell Hall, Mr Westropp of Melford, D.Badham and G.D.Badham of Bulmer, John Sikes of Cornard, W.R.Bevan of Sudbury, Rev J.S.Halifax of Edwardstone, R.Aldham of Foxearth Hall, Miss Halifax of Chadacre, Mr Lord of Newton, Mr Dyer of Assington, Mr Warren of Assington, Mr Hart of Newton, Mr Marsh of Yeldham.
Ploughing.Champion and 1st prize of £ 2 went to Joshua Lingley sponsored by Mr J.Warren-2nd £ 1 10s went to William Mingay for Mr J.Dyer.3rd 10s went to George Sparrow for Mr L.F.Tiffen. Second Class-1st to Alfred Carter for Mr E.Cook-2nd of £ 1 10s to William Porter for Mr J.Potter 3rd of £ 1 5s to William Sparrow for Mr T.L.Tiffen-4th of £ 1 to Charles Clary for Mr R.Weston-5th of 15s to William Cook for Mr G.Davey-6th of 10s to George Cooper for Mr I.Firmin. 3rd Class-£ 2 to John Lingley for Mr T.L.Tiffen-£ 1 10s to Thomas Newman for Mr E.Upson-£ 1 5s to John Snell for Mr Viall-£ 1 to Thomas Springett for Mr G.Mumford-15s to Thomas Salmon for Mr N.Hudson-10s to James Wash for Mr C.Townsend.
Plough Boys. 1st to William King 15s.for Mr J.Potter-2nd to William Frost for Mr W.Lord 3rd to John Chinery for Mr Ewer.
Single Women-Eliza Haywood £ 1 for Mr R.Jaques.
Horsemen - £ 2 to Samuel Griggs 43 years with Mr W.Lord-£ 1 10s to Thomas Garner for 36 years with Mr J.Taylor-£ 1 10s to Thomas Stutt for 36 years with Rev H.B.Faulkner- £ 1 10s to Joseph Clark for 36 years with Mr J.Garrad- £ 1 to John Crich sen. for 36 years with Mr J.Smith-£ 1 to John Springett for 25 years with Mr G.Mumford-£ 1 to George Bruce for 24 years with Mr H.Green. Under 35 years-£ 1 to John Crich jun. for 20 years with Mr H.Green. Labourers-John Taylor £ 2 for 44 years with Mr R.Spencer-£ 1 15s to William Rayner for 42 years with Mr R.Spencer-£ 1 15s to Wm Wilkins for 42 years with Mr J.Dyer-£ 1 10s to Joseph Deeks for 40 years with E.S.Bence esq.-£ 1 10s to James Clark for 40 years with Mr W.Bigg-£ 1 10s to Daniel Clark for 40 years with Mr W.Bigg-£ 1 5s to George Theobald for 38 years with Rev Fearon-£ 1 15s to John Frost for 36 years with Mr N.Hudson-£ 1 to W.Bridge for 34 years with Mr D.Alston-£ 1 to James Sparrow for 34 years with Mr W.Lord- £ 1 to William Causton for 33 years with Mr G.Mumford-£ 1 to James Lewis for 33 years with Mr T.Alston.
Under 50.-Wm.Osborne 36 years for Mr J.E.Hale £ 2.-Wm.Clarkson £ 1 13s for 32 years with Rev J.Byng-George Watts for 32 years with Mr A.Eagle £ 1 5s-Wm.James for 30 years with Mr J.Smith £ 1.-Henry Blackshire for 26 years with Mr A.Eagle £ 1-George Copsey for 25 years with Mr T.Smith £ 1.
David Collers for 25 years with Mr H.H.Baker. Under 35.-Thomas James 27 years with Mr J.Sikes £ 1 10s-Charles Bridge 25 for Mr T.Alston £ 1 5s.
Wm.Henley 20 for Mr R.Aldham. Boys under 18-Robert Maxim for 12 years with Mr W.Bigg £ 1-W.Bray 10 years with Mr C.Townsend 15s-Charles Randle 9 years with Mr T.L.Tiffen 10s-John Godden 7 years with Mr W.Atkinson.
Men with large families-J.Marshall with 8 children under 16, relief only in sickness only,£ 1 10s-Thomas Piper, 7 under 16,£ 1 10s.-John Cardy 7 under 16 rec. by Mr J.Garrad-Fred Howe 6 children £ 1 5s-W.Alston 6-Isaac Cook 6 £ 1 5s-James Walsh 6 £ 1 5s-James Everett 6 £ 1 5s-T.Gowers 6 £ 1 5s- T.Clark 6 £ 1 5s-Wm Sparrow 6 £ 1 5s-Zechariah Chaplin 5 £ 1- Wm.Silvester 5 £ 1. Boy having care of sheep-Henry Mills looked to 98 shearling ewes which produced 110 lambs with no loss for Mr J.E.Hale-Fred Collis 10s for 133 ewes producing 199 lambs.
Men taking care of stock-Wm Hazell 36 years with Mr W.S.Green £ 2-Isaac Mole 26 with J.Garrad-Simon Hale 22 with Mr W.S.Green.
Placing children into service-James Peake £ 1 rec.by Mr W.R.Stannard- Charles Byam by Mr J.Green. Widow with family-Mary Crisell £ 2 rec by Rev D.Fearon. Aged man supporting himself and wife with out relief-£ 2 to Gilbert Murrel 77yrs rec.by Mr E.Hale.
Kidney potatoes.George Shead Bures 5s.-Wm.Hume Bures 4s. Round-Charles Ardley Bures 5s.-Fred Dansey Wormingford 4s-John Cardy Bures 3s-James Clarke, Boxted 2s 6d-Onions James Cardy Bures 5s-Wm Hume Bures 4s-Wm Hume 3s.-Carrots Golding Hume Bures 4s-James Cansdale Bures 4s-Parsnips Wm Hume Bures 3s-Golding Hume Bures 3s-Savoys James Cansdale Bures 4s-Will.
Strutt Bures 3s-Basket of vegetables George Shead 7s-Golding Hume 5s-Eli Walford Twinstead 3s. Presidents prize and wheel barrow presented by Mrs Hallifax-Eli Walford Twinstead. Spades-W.Atkinson, John Harrington and James Fisher of Great Henny, James Cardy, Robert Airy, Wm Hume and Henry Shead of Bures. Fork given by Sir W.Parker-George Shead. Forks by Capt Bence-John Cardy, Robt.Airy, Wm.Cook and Joseph Hume of Bures. Watering pot-by Rev Sidney-Golding Hume. By J.Poley-Wm Hume and Chas Ardley. By Sir H.Blake-John Foster, Acton. Spade given by W.R.Bevan-Geo Mead Bures.
by Mr H.Green-J.Alston Bures.By J.Sykes-Wm.Hume. Skeps by the Misses Halifax-Geo Mead, John Alliston, Wm Strutt and Chas Ardley. Skeps by Mrs Poley-R.Airy, WM.Hume, James Walsh of Bures, Fred Dansey Wormingford, Chas Peake, J.Hume, Geo Kingsbury. Money Prizes by Rev Hallifax-Thomas Hills Waldingfield 1s 6d. James Cansdale 2s 6d and 1s-Wm Strutt 1s. James Lott Gestingthorpe 2s and 1s. By J.Garrad-John Cardy 2s, James Fisher 1s 6d- Wm.Eady Great Cornard-Fred Dansey 1s-Charlotte Woodgate Acton 1s 6d- J.Simmons Gt Cornard 2s.
At about half past five, eighty gentlemen sat down to dinner at the Town Hall. The repast was served by Mr G.G.Cross of the Four Swans with his usual style and appeared to give utmost satisfaction. The chair was taken by N.C.Barnardiston of Henny Ryes and was supported on the right by the Mayor (G.W.Andrews). The cloth having been removed the usual toasts were given. The chairman gave the army and the navy and said they did not have an army of pressed men but of bona fide volunteers, principally from the labouring classes but the higher classes had also come forward in their country's name. The Rev A.Hanbury of Bures said the clergy would do all they could to benefit the poorer classes, the success of his own parish had excited some jealousy, it was though they possessed some mysterious power in raising their productions and that the earth contained some certain treasures, they were nearly all allotment holders and restricted to 21 rods. He took a great interest in them and for several years had had his own show. Mr Sidney said that the Bures men took nearly all the prizes and one of them said he would win the President's prize of a wheel barrow for the potatoes and wheel his wife home in it but the shine had been taken out of him and the prize was taken by a Twinstead man. Mr Mumford the assistant secretary said that nearly £ 200 had been given away as prizes and that the society had 150 members which was small considering the size of the district.
The Rev Faulkner was called upon to propose the health of the judges.He said he thought the county was too exclusively agricultural and that the time must come when labourers would be required to be better educated in order to undertake the care of machinery, he suggested that some prize should be given to parents of children who kept them the longest time at school. He noticed a prize offered which worked opposite of this where boys of under 18 were offered rewards for length of service and the time one of them had been at work showed that he must have left school at the age of seven.

October 21st 1858

Mr Gridley of Glemsford charged Mr Gooday of the same place with breach of the pound. He said Gooday's calves had broken into his meadow and as his son was taking them to the pound Mr Gooday took them away which his son allowed him to do on condition that he paid damages. 2s 6d has since been offered and accepted. Dismissed.

October 21st 1858

On last Friday, Hinckford and District and Conservative Agricultural Club celebrated its 25th anniversary at the village of Castle Hedingham with a ploughing match at Nunnery Farm which is occupied by Mr J.M.Balls. 33 ploughs took part 26 men and 7 boys.
Judges were Messrs Newman Sparrow of Maplestead, Mr William Plummer of Castle Hedingham and Mr John Ince of Great Yeldham. The prizes were presented by Chairman of the day, Tavener Mr John Miller, M.P.for Colchester from a waggon in front of the Bell Inn.
First Class-£ 2 to William Wilkinson of Colne Engaine employed by Mr J.B.Brown-£ 1 15s second to William Pye of Colne Engaine-3rd of £ 1 to George Cooper employed by Mr I.Firmin. 2nd Class-1st of £ 1 10s to James Pearson of Gestingthorpe employed by Mr A.B.Collis-2nd to John Curtis employed by Mr J.Brewster of Little Maplestead-3rd to Henry Faircloth 15s of Little Yeldham employed by Mr John Byford-4th Robert Bryant 10s of Otten Belchamp employed by Mr T.Pratt. Plough boys,£ 1 to Isaac Smith of Little Maplestead employed by Mr T.Brewster-2nd to Samuel Bush of Little Maplestead. Thatching-Samuel Siday of Twinstead £ 1-Stacking to William Taswell of Yeldham employed by Mr J.Whitlock 10s. 2nd to Thomas Fincham of Twinstead. Long Service-Samuel Pearson of Gestingthorpe 52 years for Mr John Downs-2nd Robert Playle £ 1-5s for 51 yrs at Stambourne. 2nd class-£ 1 15s 23yrs for Mr H.Baker of Belchamp St Pauls 2nd John Chatters 20 yrs £ 1 for Mr Thomas Pratt of Belchamp Otten.
3rd Class £ 1 15s to Mary Stocks as cook and dairy maid to Mr W.Rayner of Stisted. 3rd Class- 15s to Margaretta Mays of Belchamp Walter for Mr Henry Archer. 5th Class-Mary Morgan for 13© yrs at the Rev Pemberton of Wixoe-6th Class 15s to Hannah Matson 2© yrs for Mrs Way of Spencers Farm Gt Yeldham. 7th Class £ 1 10s to Henry Grubb 34 yrs horseman at Shalford Hall for Mr H.Q.Ling. 2nd to John Mansfield of Otten Belchamp £ 1 15s for Mr Thomas Edwards. Samuel Harvey for 18yrs at Shalford for H.Q.Ling.
Benefit Societies- £ 1 15s to be divided between William Amos of Belchamp St Pauls and James Ives of Belchamp Walter.

October 28th 1858

Caleb Cross a most hang dog looking fellow was charged with beating his mother, a respectable Inn keeper of Belchamp St Pauls and repeatedly beating his sister. 3 months prison.
November 25th 1858. William Stammers of Belchamp Walter who had been a servant of Mr S.M.Raymond for 28 years was charged with assaulting Charles Parmenter of Otten Belchamp by striking him with a gun. Mr Parmenter said he heard a gun being discharged in the direction of his gravel pits and he saw defendant run away, he gave chase and saw it was Stammers, he knew him as Stammers had waited on him at Mr Raymond's table, he had struck him with a gun. £ 5 fine which was paid immediately.

November 25th 1858

George Smith of Belchamp was charged with being the father of Mrs Harriet Ince's bastard child. Mrs Ince said her husband was a soldier in the 19th Foot regiment and serving in India and had served in the Crimea 5 years ago, during his absence she had been intimate with defendant. Dismissed.

December 23rd 1858

Last Wednesday, Captain Bence and a party of gentlemen amongst whom were Lord Huntingfield, Lord Pagent and several other first class shots killed in 4 days upwards of 3000 head of game on the Kentwell Hall estate.

February 24th 1859

Rev Oliver Raymond jun. curate of Monks Eleigh has been appointed to the curacy of Bulmer.

February 24th 1859

A handsome memorial tower, 90 feet high is to be erected in Pentlow. It is intended to perpetuate the memory of the late Rector the Rev John Bull M.A. and will stand amidst the many trees he planted. The ascent will be by a spiral staircase in the centre of the shaft and the view from the top will one of the most extensive in the Kingdom including about 40 churches, whilst from the height of its position it will be seen for many miles around. The erection of the tower will be under superintendance of Mr John Johnson, architect, of Bury St Edmunds. Mr Webb of Sudbury who's satisfactory completion of important works we are called upon to notice being selected as builder.

March 3rd 1859

The first brick of the memorial to be erected in the Rectory grounds at Pentlow was laid on Friday last by the Rev Edward Bull, he briefly addressed the persons present with a feeling allusion to his father's labours in this parish and his own endeavours to follow in the same steps. The tower which is to be finished in June next, will be octagonal in Tudor style of red brick with white dressings, 16ft in diameter at the base where the walls are to be 3ft 6in thick and tapering to the height of 60 ft where it will be contracted to a diameter of 10ft and rise perpendicularly 30 ft higher, it will be lighted on the sides by lancet windows and surmounted by a machiolated cornice and embattled parapet, the whole being surmounted by a flag staff for public or special occasions.
May 17th 1859. A bye-law has been passed to prevent the fishing of the river Stour with nets and so stop the total destruction of various breeds of fish of interest in the Stour and to afford to all classes the same opportunity of enjoying this healthy amusement.

May 24th 1859

As Susan Maxim was retuning to Pentlow from Cavendish in a cart drawn by a mule it became frightened and ran away throwing the old lady out and dislocating her shoulder. On the 17th Nathan Maxim, grandson of the above, was walking beside a donkey tumbril loaded with mangel when he fell and his leg was fractured by the wheel passing over it.

June 2nd 1859

William Smith of Belchamp Walter was charged with assaulting Ann, the wife of Thomas Chinery. Mrs Chinery said she lived at Belchamp Walter where her husband was horsekeeper, someone told her there was a pig in her garden and she drove it into a hovel, when defendant came running down the field and said it was his pig she refused to let him have it until her husband came home as it had done some damage, he ran after her and threw her down. Fined 1s with 14s costs.

June 9th 1859

John Green a native of the Emerald Isle and is employed by Mr Webb of Bulmer was charged with being drunk and disorderly in Gregory Street, Sudbury. The prisoner admitted the charge and said he was very sorry. In reply to the magistrate he said he had never been in front of a magistrate before and it would be a warning as to change his life. 5s.

July 7th 1859

The grand old oak at Great Yeldham which stands on Common Green at the three cross roads is now a monument in ruins. It has been found neccesary to stop up various entrances with bricks and mortar. The base is 45 feet round and there is a piece of flag staff still in the branches which was put there to proclaim Napoleon's downfall and the peace declaration. A sketch ought to be drawn this year as next year it may not put out any foliage at all.

July 21st 1859

During a heavy thunderstorm yesterday morning a barn the property of Mr John Orbell of Pentlow was struck by electric fluid and the contents of 90 coombs of threshed wheat was consumed. The Cavendish fire engine and Mr Ray's engine from Clare were in attendance.

July 21st 1859

John Felton aged 15 was charged with shooting at another boy, Robert Pilgrim, at Belchamp Walter with a pistol loaded with stones.
It appears that the boy Felton was entrusted with the pistol to frighten birds on Mr Rayner's farm. The chairman remarked that he would be glad to see something done about naughty boys but it was contrary to the laws of the country to shoot them. 10s with 10s 6d costs.

August 18th 1859

On Tuesday a very pleasant match of cricket took place on the Foxearth ground. Foxearth went in first and made an excellent score of 69 runs and Cavendish succeeded in making a tie. The bowling of G.Hall of Foxearth was very effective. Among the visitors we noticed Sir William Parker-S.T.Yellowly-Rev Foster and Capt Barnardiston.
Foxearth-Rev Irvine b Thompson 4-Rev Barker not out 13-Edwards c and b Thompson-G.Halls c Coldham 0-G.Thornhill c Thompson 0-W.Foster c Brown 4-C.Thornhill b Coldham 0-U.Burke c Thompson 1-R.Burke b Hammond 2- Freeston run out 3-C.Halls c b Hammond 1 wides 12.
Cavendish-Sir William Parker run out 0-N.Barnardiston b Hall 6-J.Page b Hall 3 C.Thompson b Hall 11-Snell st Edwards 4-John Brown b Thornhill 12- B.Brown b G.Hall 0-W.Coldham b Hall 0-Murre b Hall 12-E.Hardy b Hall 1-W.Coldham b Hall 3-Potter n.o. 0- wides 13.

September 1st 1859

Foxearth v Cavendish. This match was played in the grounds of the Rev.Foster on Tuesday, among the visitors we observed were Sir W.Parker.Mr S.T.Yellowly, Rev.Foster and Capt.Barnadiston.
Cavendish batted first but the bowling by E.Bouious Esq, assisted by G.Hall caused Brown (who is so good) to retire and they then put Hardy and his kneecap out so that although the umpire persevered in calling wides, 56 was the total. Foxearth went in and owing to the carefree play of by G.Hall and the lucky (dogging) by R.Andrews who after a narrow escape of being done by Brown, had a damper put on him by Coldham.
Foxearth headed their opposition by 18 runs, notwithstanding we understand that a certain individual was sent home to Cavendish for the flag to embellish a certain van in the hope of victory but the perversity of fate is not to be accounted for as Cavendish went to the wicket again and scored 58.
When Foxearth batted again Thomas Thompson tried on his seductive sinuosities and Brown put on his daisy-cutters, in spite of all this, for the loss of 4 wickets Foxearth secured the laurels. The Rev.Foster liberally entertained the cricketers with lunch under the walnut tree and Cavendish could not decorate their waggon with the flag. The " jacks" we noticed looked very cheerful and to judge from the hearty cheers on leaving the ground they bore their defeat with great equanimity.

September 8th 1859

Letter to the Editor. In reference to the account of the cricket match played at Foxearth I wish to correct certain errors.The correspondent said that after we were only 18 runs behind we dispatched some-one home to the George Hotel for the flag. This flag was were left at the George on purpose and the landlady thinking we had forgotten it sent it on with a lad, thus sir no-one was sent home for the flag.
yours, by some-one who was there.
September 15th 1859. Wednesday the 7th witnessed the village of Foxearth celebrating the incoming of harvest with a happy celebration. In the morning the cottagers brought their produce from their gardens for prizes to be adjudged. The church service commenced at 2 o'clock where the beautiful church was crowded and additional benches were placed in the aisles. Afterwards the company visited the vegetable show in the school room, then sat down to a dinner in a tent 135 ft long with two rows of tables running full length. Prizes were given by the Rector to deserving labourers and successful exhibitors, afterwards dancing on the grass, harvest buns were produced at teatime and after tea dancing resumed in the schoolroom until 11 when all assembled in the tent and partook of supper which consisted of the remains of the dinner. During supper there was a firework display, at 12 o'clock all were dismissed by the rector. Points especially noticed were the absence of limits upon the quantity of beer supplied to the labourers. A days feast with these results teaches us that we only have to show in the right direction the amusement of the poor, they will not abuse their holiday, it is the want of sympathy and direction which too often leads to abuses to say the least, no-one would wish to return to harvest horkeys and largesse to be spent in public houses.

October 18th 1859

There an inquest at Old House Farm, Belchamp Otten, on Arthur Howard an 8 year old boy who died suddenly. His mother said that he was delicate since birth and that he left home at 8 on the 28th to attend the plaiting school at Belchamp Walter and returned at 12 saying he was sick and had a headache, he died next morning. Dr Waring of Cavendish said he examined the child and was of the opinion he died of dysentry.

October 27th 1859

Prizes at Hinckford Agricultural Show at Castle Hedingham. Ploughing-Henry Kensell of Gestingthorpe-J.Downs of Gestingthorpe-Thomas Wadley of Belchamp St Pauls. Long service labourers £ 1 10s for 56 years service to Thomas Chinery of Borley for J.S.Gardiner-Nathan Finch of Borley £ 1 for 21 yrs at J.S.Gardiner at Borley Green Farm-Females-Maria Rewse of Borley for 10 yrs with J.S.Coker at Borley. Horsekeepers £ 1 10s to Robert Corder for 32 yrs at Belchamp Hall for S.M.Raymond-£ 1 5s to Robert Collar for 32 yrs at Lt Yeldham Hall for J.S.Gardiner-£ 1 5s to James Smith for 26 yrs at Pagnells Ash for J.Ewer. Benefit Society-David Frost of Borley £ 1 for 31 yrs membership of Bulmer Benefit Society-James Shorten of Belchamp Walter 15s for 29 yrs member of Belchamp St Pauls Benefit Society.

November 3rd 1859

Last week a mill hand by the name of Kemp and employed by J.S.Garret of Cavendish became entangled in the chains that draw up the sacks and fractured his wrist.

November 3rd 1859

The health of this village (Cavendish) is anything but good, the situation being low and the ground is generally muddy and damp. In the last few weeks several young people have fallen victim to consumption and many children are ill with fever with pains in the chest, legs and head, they have a loss of appetite and extreme debility. It is questionable whether our forefathers acted with much wisdom in selecting low swamps and marshes for their habitation, such as Cavendish must once have been, even now flood water enters the homes and the roads.